During the last few weeks, each MLB team announced their non-roster invitees (NRIs) to spring training. These players are granted the opportunity to be in big league camp despite not being on the 40-man roster. Some NRIs are top prospects, whereas others are veterans looking to get one last chance. For this week’s article, I decided to highlight a few NRIs to keep an eye on this spring.
Matthew Lugo (Infielder). The 2019 second rounder had a big season in High Class-A last year and reached Double-A. In 117 games (only 3 in Double-A), Lugo had 77 R, 135 H, 26 2B, 10 3B, 18 HR, and 79 RBI. He also stole 20 bases and compiled a triple slash of .282/.338/.492. According to his scouting report, Lugo “lacks a true carrying tool, but has several that grade in the 45-50 range.” Despite having a solid 2022 campaign, he needs to cut his chase rate, especially on breaking balls, and improve the quality of his contact.
Kevin Parada (Catcher). The New York Mets have two of the best catching prospects in baseball in No. 1 prospect Francisco Álvarez, who is on the 40-man roster, and Parada, the No. 11 pick in last summer’s draft. Similar to Álvarez, Parada is more of an offensive-minded player. In 2022, Parada only played in 13 games. During his second season at Georgia Tech (60 G), he had 79 R, 93 H, 10 2B, 26 HR (the Georgia Tech single season HR record), 88 RBI, and 11 SB. He slashed to the tune of .361/.453/.709 and had a .938 BB/K ratio.
Anthony Volpe (Shortstop). As far as prospects go, few NRIs show up to camp with a legitimate chance to win a big-league job. Most teams typically have a development plan in place and stick to it when it comes to top prospects. Volpe is one of the few that might be able to play his way into the majors. At the Winter Meetings, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said the team intends to hold a shortstop competition that will include Volpe, fellow top prospect Oswald Peraza (who is on the 40-man roster), and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The bet here is Volpe starts the season in Triple-A, though I wouldn’t rule out a big spring and an Opening Day spot in the Bronx. In the 2022 season, Volpe played 132 G across Double-A and Triple-A. He had 86 R, 127 H, 35 2B, 21 HR, 65 RBI, and 50 SB. He posted a .249/.342/.460 triple slash.
Andrew Painter (Right-Handed Pitcher). Philadelphia’s No. 1 prospect is one of the few minor leaguers with a legitimate “ace” ceiling, and after reaching (and dominating) Double- A last summer, the soon-to-be 20-year-old is on track to join the Phillies this summer. Painter is a significant prospect in that he could be the No. 3 starter behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola during the postseason. In 2022, he had 22 GS, 1 SHO, and only allowed 18 ER in 103.2 IP. He posted a 1.56 ERA and 0.887 WHIP, while compiling 155 K.
Jordan Walker (Third Baseman/Outfielder). The Cardinals have one of the most exciting groups of NRIs this spring – shortstop Masyn Winn as well as righties Gordon Graceffo and Tink Hence. At 20 years old, Walker has arguably the most power in the minors and is simply one of the best prospects in baseball. After playing third base most of last season, the Cardinals announced Walker as an outfielder this spring. He played 25 games in right field last year (plus a handful in left and center). Nolan Arenado isn’t going anywhere, so the outfield is the best way to get Walker’s bat into the lineup. During the 2022 season, Walker had 100 R, 141 H, 31 2B, 19 HR, 68 RBI, and 22 SB. He had a .306/.388/.510 triple slash in 119 G. In the Arizona Fall League, he added 17 R, 22 H, 5 HR, and 16 RBI in 21 G. Additionally, he posted a .925 OPS.